The Strange History of Period Blood: How Ancient Beliefs Turned Into Modern Menstrual Myths

‘You should not go inside a temple during periods’, ‘do not enter the kitchen during your menstrual cycle’. If you are a woman, you must have heard these lines from your family’s elderly at least once in your life. We are in the year 2026, where technological advancements have taken flight and how. And yet, such regressive age-old taboos and myths surrounding periods still exist in our society. 

Did you know that such menstrual taboos have their roots in ancient times? Yes, you read that right. Today, this article will explain how certain misconceptions regarding period shaped our modern-day menstrual myths. Read ahead.

How Period Was Perceived in The Ancient Times

A 2016 study, published in the Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology journal, attempted to understand the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and taboos surrounding periods. It examined how they have historically shaped the perception of women and period blood. 

The findings noted that for centuries, across various cultures and religions, period has been unfairly viewed as something “dirty, toxic, or shameful”. The researchers further shed light on how ancient medical texts and religious doctrines often described period blood as a “poison capable of causing harm to people, crops, and animals”. This notion was created because of a widespread misunderstanding. And as a result of this, women were frequently isolated, restricted, or considered "unclean" during their menstrual cycle. 

period blood history 1

What are The Myths Surrounding Periods?

On this note, the study shared different historical myths that were once widely trusted. In some way or the other, these still influence how people view menstruation in the modern day:

• The myth of toxicity: People believed period blood contained dangerous poisons that could spoil food or kill crops.
• The myth of the evil eye or bad luck: A menstruating woman was believed to bring misfortune or bad weather, simply with their presence.
• The myth of contamination: It was propagated that contact with a menstruating woman or her blood can physically harm or weaken men.
• The myth of souring: There was a common notion that if a menstruating woman touches milk, wine, or food, then it would instantly turn sour or spoil.
• The myth of the wandering womb: Some ancient medical theories stated that a woman's uterus roamed around her body; this incorrectly noted how it caused erratic behavior, if she wasn't pregnant or menstruating properly.

period blood history 2

How Can We Combat Menstrual Taboos?

A 2015 study, published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care,  focused on how menstruation is still heavily surrounded by myths and taboos across India. These deep-rooted cultural beliefs often unfairly isolate menstruating girls and women from various aspects of social, religious, and everyday cultural life. 

The researchers explained that there is a widespread stigma attached to period. This negatively affects their emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall reproductive health. Another major challenge which the research highlights is that many young girls do not have the basic knowledge about puberty and hygiene. This makes them blindly follow certain age-old harmful traditions. 

The authors of the study wanted to create a lasting change by sharing some practical tips to combat these harmful period taboos:

• Early education: Communities must add comprehensive menstrual health education directly into school curriculums. This can teach young girls the right things about periods, even before misconceptions take root.
• Public awareness campaigns: Society should make use of mass media and start open community discussions related to menstrual cycle. This can debunk age-old myths and normalise conversations surrounding periods.
• Empower local health workers: Training local doctors, as well as frontline health workers, to confidently counsel families can go a long way. They can also promote the use of safe sanitary products, which is a vital step toward ending the stigma completely.

ALSO READ- Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle During Perimenopause: What Is Normal and When To Worry

Conclusion

The stigma related to menstruation is not based on scientific reality. Instead, its roots date back to centuries of ancient misunderstandings. Back then, menstruating women were unfairly labeled as ‘impure’ or ‘dangerous’. By tracing these taboos back to their historical origins, we can recognise them for the myths they truly are. Moreover, thai can help us remove the shame linked to period blood. To conclude, prioritising early education and open conversations is the key to move beyond the regressive menstruation myths.